Bike Fed will be offering five different classes in Racine the weekend of August 15th-17th as well as a meet-and-greet to get to know our community members.

This weekend will have special additions to previous offerings such as specific content for e-bike users and those curious about them and a basics class focusing on rules of the road for e-bikes as well as acoustic bikes.

Bike Fed will also be offering an advanced smart cycling course, which is an immersive safety class focusing on leading group rides, avoidance weaves and even more in-depth information on rules of the road, plus the science behind some of the safety measures. This course is the precursor to the Licensed Cycling Instructor (LCI) certification. That LCI class will be held Sept 26th-28th in Milwaukee. More info coming on that soon!

Many thanks to our partners at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for funding this work.

If you would like to help us promote these events in Racine, we have created promotional materials that can be accessed here.

Interested in classes? Register below!

Questions? Contact Chelsea Muench.

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Friday, August 15

Smart Cycling: Basics for Owners of E-Bikes (and Those Curious About Them)

12 – 2:30 pm

Trek Bicycle Store Racine (5509 Durand Ave.)

Have you always wanted to learn how to ride an e-bike? Do you want to brush up on your two-wheel skills? Are you considering switching from a “regular” bike to an e-bike? This is the class for you! Taught by accredited instructors, participants are encouraged to come with any or no experience with biking or e-bikes. Everyone is welcome as they are!

You will learn information specific to riding e-bikes, including braking, throttle control, e-bike laws, and other things to consider as an e-bike user. The workshop will start in the classroom for discussion about safe riding techniques, then we head to the parking lot to practice some on-bike skills.  We will finish the workshop with a ride on local roads.

Registration is required. Bring your own e-bike or register to use a Bike Fed e-bike. Options are limited. Time and location subject to change.

Bike Fed Meet & Greet

5 – 7 pm
Location TBD

Come out and see what Bike Fed is all about, tell us about your favorite cycling memory in Racine or anything else you’re like to share. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided.
Stay tuned for more details.

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Saturday, August 16

Smart Cycling: Basics – Rules of the Road (E-Bikes Welcome!)

9 – 11 am
Trek Bicycle Store Racine (5509 Durand Ave.)

Our basics class with a focus on legal rights of cyclists in Racine and the state of Wisconsin.

This course provides cyclists with the confidence to ride safely and legally in traffic or on the trail.  We will cover the basics of bike maintenance, rules of the road, on-bike skills, and crash avoidance techniques. Additionally, you will learn information specific to riding e-bikes, including braking, throttle control, e-bike laws, and other things to consider as an e-bike user. The workshop will start in the classroom for discussion about safe riding techniques, then we head to the parking lot to practice some on-bike skills.  We will finish the workshop with a ride on local roads.

Participants should know how to stop, turn, and balance before attending the course. For folks who are brand new to biking, stay tuned for our next Adult Learn to Ride class by filling out our interest form. E-bikes are welcome at this event, but e-bike users may want to consider Friday’s E-Bike Smart Cycling class instead. Registrants may want to consider also doing the afternoon Intermediate session for more practice.

Registration is required. Bring your own bike or register to use a Bike Fed bike. Options are limited. Time and location subject to change.

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Smart Cycling: Advanced (pre-requisite for LCI certification)

1 – 7 pm City Hall Annex (800 Center St.)

This Smart Cycling: Advanced course is geared towards experienced cyclists looking to improve their bike handling skills and gain confidence in various situations. This class will include a classroom discussion, parking lot drills, and a group ride to practice lane positioning and other skills. We will cover topics such as:

• hazard avoidance techniques
• basic bike maintenance
• riding in traffic
• riding at night
• riding in inclement weather
• riding in groups
• riding for long distances

This class is ideal for bike commuters, avid cyclists, ride leaders, or anyone who wants to know the best etiquette and technique for riding safely in all conditions. Not only will you build your confidence, but you’ll also get to connect with other bicyclists and advocates in your area! 

Bike Fed is hosting classes around the state and looking to grow the network of trained cycling educators. This Advanced class is a prerequisite to the League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor course. Consider becoming a certified League Cycling Instructor, the premier national bicycling education certification program. What better way to share your newfound knowledge with your community!

Bike Fed will be hosting the LCI training course in Milwaukee, WI on September 26-28th.

Please complete Smart Cycling Exam before class date: https://learn.bikeleague.org/p/smartcycling

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Sunday, August 17

Teaching Safe Bicycling

12 – 1:30 pm
Covenant Presbyterian Church (40 Ohio St.)

Come learn how to teach the young people in your life how to bike safely. The Teaching Safe Bicycling course is aimed at adults who are interested in hosting a “bike rodeo” to teach bike safety skills to youth.

Come for the early session and then stay for the afternoon rodeo to practice the skills you just learned. Great for troop leaders, parents, fun aunts and uncles, coaches, educators, and more!

Our Teaching Safe Bicycling will feature safe streets activities for kiddos while their caretakers are in class, followed by the Youth Youth Bike Rodeo (see below).

Youth Bike Rodeo

2 – 2:30 pm
Covenant Presbyterian Church (40 Ohio St.)

Kids will gain confidence riding at our bike safety rodeo! This rodeo is for all youth ages 4-18.  We’ll have bike & helmet safety checks, a helmet decorating station, and fun skills courses. Participants will be entered into a drawing for bike-themed prizes!

Youth must bring your own bike, and helmets are required. Come and bring your friends! 

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